Pop quiz.. hotshot.. selling scenario

[cueaddicts]

I just copied this from Billiard Warehouse website. I always thought this was a very fair return policy. Greg is a great guy to do business with..

At the Billiard Warehouse, we are completely obsessed with cues, so we know what an important decision it is when choosing your cue. Finding a cue that will fit your taste and budget at The Billiard Warehouse is extremely easy because we have the very best selection found anywhere; and at extremely discounted prices. Buying your cue from The Billiard Warehouse is simple with our



1. Buy your cue at The Billiard Warehouse from our huge selection of production or custom cues.

2. Play with your cue for 5 days.

3. If you are not satisfied with your cue, return it for credit towards another cue from The Billiard Warehouse.


Try a Cue Rules and Details:

You may exchange a cue up to three times for the Try a Cue Program. You have up to five days from the date you receive your cue to decide if you would like to return your cue. You must inform the Billiard Warehouse at 888-809-7665 by 5 pm on the 5th day you receive your cue. The Billiard Warehouse will give you a return number to authorize your return. You can not return your cue without authorization from The Billiard Warehouse, Inc. We must receive your cue within 10 days of your authorization of return. After 10 days, starting on the 11th day, there will be a late charge of $20.00 per day against your credit until we receive your cue. Once the late charges reach the value of your cue; the sale is considered final. You are responsible for returning the cue to The Billiard Warehouse via UPS, US Priority Mail or Federal Express, postage prepaid and insured for the full value of the cue. The cue must be returned in the original condition, free of any kind of damage. If the cue is damaged, the amount of repair plus 10% will be deducted from your credit. Normal chalk residue is not considered damage. Any kind of tip change, re-taper, or use of sand paper or anything abrasive on the shaft will void the try a cue Guarantee. After the 5 day try a cue period is over, cues can not be returned for any reason other than manufacturer's defect; in which case you will be given details to return your cue to the manufacturer for evaluation. If you do not insure your cue during its return, you are responsible for loss or damage. Unchalked cues can be returned for full refund or exchange for the purchase price of the pool cue. Shipping charges are non refundable. Returned chalked cues can only be returned for credit towards another cue from The Billiard Warehouse. No cash refunds are offered for chalked cues. Cues ordered with customs options including, but not limited to Custom Stain, Pearl, Joint, Length, Taper or Engraving options can not be returned or exchanged for any reason other than manufacturer's defect.

Dan

That's a great policy....very well stated....and I agree, Greg is top-notch to do business with. Having said that, a policy where you take back new cues that have been played is much more doable if your stock for the most part is production cues that wholesale at anywhere from 40-60% or more off retail. It's a lot easier to take one of those back used and be able to discount it further and still make money. On higher end custom stuff, the sellers that I know are operating with much smaller margins and likewise much smaller volume of sales.

 

[classiccues]

Great responses...

If its a new cue, and you play with it, which you will, on a return its no longer a new cue. So that really is the equal to driving a car off the lot. So even though we have a 3 day money back with ALL cues, its condition sensitive and there will be a "fee". The amount of said fee depends on a lot of things. The make of cue, value and of course customer courtesy. We have some customers, that we would not haggle with for a second, then there are some that are the definition of tire kicker or the definition of thorn in side. They get special treatment Two or three guys come to mind under this category. The thing to remember a new cue can never be "new" again.

But now to the other part of the question.. even if the cue is USED and the description is right on the mark. You cannot seriously tell me that there should be less of a return policy. I mean the seller did the due diligence, no fraud on his part, again weighing all those factors, the only reason for a return would be buyers remorse OR not liking the hit. Which again would be no fault of the seller. Again, we're flexible on most returns, so I am just playing devils advocate.

So I really think it depends on what side of the deal you maybe on. But there are a lot of other factors that would be weighed.

JV

 

[Dakota Cues]

Again, I agree that "Hit" is not a reason for returning, nor should it be a reason to accept a returned cue.

I was just stating that, due to the difference in scenario's, I would be more likely to take a used cue back, provided it was in the same condition as when it left. That's where any type of "X" day money back policy might apply, and where the seller's customer service can shine. My reasoning behind this is simply the fact that the cue would not have changed in value.

New cues are different. Like you pointed out Joe, a new cue can never be NEW again. THAT severe change in value, IMO, nulifies ANY return policy, and you would be hard pressed to convince me otherwise.

 

[billfishhead]

send the cue with a piece of tan masters chalk,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,pool hall here usta let ppl test hit cues unchalked until i suggested using tan chalk. if the cue isnt beat up or stained blue from chalk it can have the shaft refinished and still be new. just a suggestion

 

[cueman]

I would say it depends on where you sell it at. A new cue once chalked then should be considered sold. I used to tell people that who were looking at cues in person and I offer to let them screw another shaft on the cue and hit a few balls with it. But if you sell it on AZ it should also be a done deal if they chalk it. Here is the problem. This forum is abused by some people who will do just about anything to get their way. My guess is that if you sell a cue to someone on here that is liked by other members and for any reason he wants to return it, you will get trashed for days and days until he gets his way. You might even have to give him his money back first so he will give you a cue back that you don't want back. I can't believe how many people on here supported that position. I bet with the awesome return policy Billiard warehouse has they won't even do that. If someone emails me and buys a cue off my site and chalks it, they bought it. But if it is a AZ member you are selling to, they can trash you and trash you until they step over the line and get banned. I do think we should all start putting labels on the cue bags explaining the deal when it arrives in case there was any mis-communications before hand. That is the best idea I have heard in a long time.
Chris
www.hightowercues.com
www.internationalcuemakers.com

 

[billfishhead]

if i buy a cue ive got a pretty good idea of how it hits. a Scruggs plays the same as other Scruggs cues considering the joint ferrule and shaft taper are the same. a Szamboti hits like a Szamboti. I find it odd enough for someone to buy a cue and not know how it hits. After all isnt the hit the reason you buy a custom cue ?

If a cue plays drasticly different than another made by the same maker then something is wrong with one of them. Considering shaft diameter, taper, joint material, ferrule and tip a cue can play a lot different.

Sometimes prople dont know what they want so ask them what games they play and on what size tables. I remember Barry asking me those questions and asking shaft diameter. Now that Ive had his cues I understand why those questions were asked.

So when all is done with be careful what you ask for ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,you might get it.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,thanks Barry for building my cues.

 

[TWOFORPOOL]

Pop Quiz

I have bought serveral cues on the internet over the years. One of the reasons that Scruggs, Mottey, Capone, Josswest, etc are so expensive is because of the consistency of their balance and hit. When you buy one of these cues you know what you are getting.

When you buy a cue on the internet and it is "as described" you bought the cue! The "Hit" or "Balance point" is subjective and irrevelant. Thats just the chance you take buy a cue on the internet (which is generally cheaper than from the actual cuemaker).

I am as picky as anybody with the hit, balance point and taper. Some of the cues I have bought on the internet I didn't like and decided to resell them. I never asked the seller to take them back (unless the cue was warped or finish was poor - when described as excellent condition).

 

[Purdman]

Lets say you have a brand new cue, you describe it PERFECTLY, show multiple pictures, you're not off on weight, ferrule size, nothing. You send it out to a customer and he HITS with the cue, for 1-3 days. Then says he don't like it, its too "stiff" or whatever... what is the sellers obligation, as a buyer, would you ask for a refund, knowing the cue was as listed?? IYHO???? What would you be willing to refund now that the cue is USED???

Same scenario.. cue is used...????

JV (---just a question

Joe, I know what I have done in the past, of course I am not a very good businessman. I would have him ship the cue back for inspection. If it was exactly like it went out, I would send him his money back. I would deduct all shipping and handling charges and return the money. Then again Joe, I do not live with the fear that I will never have enough. I have faith that all my needs will be met. This from a guy that just lost a job paying $85,000 a year. I also believe that whatever you do to someone is the same as doing it to yourself. That is just MHO Joe. I believe you will do what is right in your mind.
Peace, Purdman

 

[classiccues]

Joe, I know what I have done in the past, of course I am not a very good businessman. I would have him ship the cue back for inspection. If it was exactly like it went out, I would send him his money back. I would deduct all shipping and handling charges and return the money. Then again Joe, I do not live with the fear that I will never have enough. I have faith that all my needs will be met. This from a guy that just lost a job paying $85,000 a year. I also believe that whatever you do to someone is the same as doing it to yourself. That is just MHO Joe. I believe you will do what is right in your mind.
Peace, Purdman

Don, I hear you. The problem is the cue can not be advertised as "new" once you receive it back. So you need to take that into account. Like I said previously IMHO it may depend on the cue. There are some cues that move regardless of new or not and some cues that are hard to move new, let alone played. I don't worry about either scenario, but just posted the ??? because of the few recent questionable transactions.

JV

 

[Purdman]

Don, I hear you. The problem is the cue can not be advertised as "new" once you receive it back. So you need to take that into account. Like I said previously IMHO it may depend on the cue. There are some cues that move regardless of new or not and some cues that are hard to move new, let alone played. I don't worry about either scenario, but just posted the ??? because of the few recent questionable transactions.

JV

Joe, I believe you are an honest and honorable guy. I believe you will do the right thing. Like I said, I am not a very good businessman. I am a service type of guy. It is cut and dry for me. Either your air conditioner works or it don't. If it don't, I don't get paid. I have to get right everytime. Good luck with your transaction my friend and I look forward to seeing you this coming Friday.
Purdman

 

[classiccues]

Joe, I believe you are an honest and honorable guy. I believe you will do the right thing. Like I said, I am not a very good businessman. I am a service type of guy. It is cut and dry for me. Either your air conditioner works or it don't. If it don't, I don't get paid. I have to get right everytime. Good luck with your transaction my friend and I look forward to seeing you this coming Friday.
Purdman

Purd,
Do you know something I don't? I just posed a ???, I have no outstanding transaction I know of... maybe I missed something lol.

Joe (--hopes your bringing some "juice"

 

[Purdman]

Purd,
Do you know something I don't? I just posed a ???, I have no outstanding transaction I know of... maybe I missed something lol.

Joe (--hopes your bringing some "juice"

Joe, I was responding to your query. I am expressing to you how I feel about your question and you. I can assure you that I know things that you don't know and you know a whole lot that I don't know. Our lives have been differant, however, I believe both paths lead to the same place. I also hope that you have many outstanding transactions next week at VF. I honestly hope that you have the best show of your life. Best wishes from me my friend.
Purdman

 

[classiccues]

Joe, I was responding to your query. I am expressing to you how I feel about your question and you. I can assure you that I know things that you don't know and you know a whole lot that I don't know. Our lives have been differant, however, I believe both paths lead to the same place. I also hope that you have many outstanding transactions next week at VF. I honestly hope that you have the best show of your life. Best wishes from me my friend.
Purdman

Oh ok.. I was just being hypothetical.. I get ya now.. Thanks for the kind wishes and I hope you get more gainful employment. When I lost my last engineering job I took it as a sign...

JV

 

[Purdman]

Oh ok.. I was just being hypothetical.. I get ya now.. Thanks for the kind wishes and I hope you get more gainful employment. When I lost my last engineering job I took it as a sign...

JV

I couldn't be more happy about my employment situation Joe. I have peace of mind and no fear. I know there is something else I am suppose to be doing. I will find it sir, no doubt about it. I don't want to go back to the greedy corporate organization. I feel lke I just got out of prison. Political correctness my azz. They are just trying to teach me how to pick-up a turd from the clean end. It ain't gonna happen buddy. I'll pick it up but I don't have any illiusions about what it is.
See Ya Friday!! Don

 

[ribdoner]

I couldn't be more happy about my employment situation Joe. I have peace of mind and no fear. I know there is something else I am suppose to be doing. I will find it sir, no doubt about it. I don't want to go back to the greedy corporate organization. I feel lke I just got out of prison. Political correctness my azz. They are just trying to teach me how to pick-up a turd from the clean end. It ain't gonna happen buddy. I'll pick it up but I don't have any illiusions about what it is.
See Ya Friday!! Don

CLASSIC!!! Spent over 30yrs pickin up turds, aint no clean ends.

on topic: A combination of SEAN and JOE's return agreement makes sense to me and is what I explain to trading partners until we get to know each other.

 

[Purdman]

CLASSIC!!! Spent over 30yrs pickin up turds, aint no clean ends.

on topic: A combination of SEAN and JOE's return agreement makes sense to me and is what I explain to trading partners until we get to know each other.

Thank you sir! I hope to meet you one day. You know exactly what I am talking about.
Purdman

 

[classiccues]

I agree with Tate and Sean. I think the restocking fee should apply if you don't like the cue also minus shipping. At least for new unchalked cues. For used cues, full satisfaction within a reasonable timeframe agreed upon in advance. I am not normally worried about hit, but more worried about condition on a new cue. The only exception would be if you hit with a new cue and there is a click. The seller may not have known about it prior to the sell, but it would indicate a structural problem with the cue, and the seller and cuemaker should back their product.

I am currently working through somewhat of a problem in structural integrity of a cue that went through 2 hands but is virtually unplayed. Neither prior owner was aware of the problem, but it is pretty obvious that the cue came from the cuemaker that way. The cuemaker is going to, in this case, stand behind his product and fix my cue. After all is said and done, I will post a big kudos thread about the whole ordeal.

Scott,
Glad to hear that the cuemaker is standing behind the cue. I know of some that would say hey.. it changed hands multiple times, how can I be sure something didn't happen.
JV

 

[classiccues]

if any sellers on this forum have to be worried about being bullied about in a situation like this by a buyer who might be a popular poster then this is not the correct forum to be selling cues.

guy

Guy,
Interesting point. There are some people I don't doubt have strong armed, or have tried to strong arm sellers into returns because they either think they are somebody special, or use the "I will go public" with my dissatisfaction, to get their way. As you know cues are a niche market for collectors, cuemakers, dealers, etc.. so bad press goes both ways. Just as collectors are likely to discuss "bad or troubled" dealings amongst themselves, dealers, and cuemakers do the same. When you go public with a grievance you need to realize that everyone is reading it. As a collector, you might make a dealer or seller in general, think twice, same with dealers, they have to be aware of the ramifications to the other buyers. Thats why its important to keep all documentation and correspondence. The only time I have no problem posting e-mail is when someone is trying to bully. Then all bets are off.

JV